Wednesday, February 20, 2008

With the impending birth of my second child hovering like a curtain about to drop on a whole new act, I am not logging as many hours in the kitchen as I normally would. The day are filled with all the little precious tasks that precede the arrival of a newborn, and any spare time I happen to have is spent with my feet up and my nose either in a cooking magazine or a children’s book as I invest in some precious one-on-one time with Noah.

I haven’t deserted the kitchen entirely (that would hardly be possible) nor have I resorted to frozen or take out meals, I have just simplified our meals considerably, while still keeping the fresh flavors and variety that we like.

For example, this steak sandwich that came together in less than ten minutes: with fresh, crusty ciabatta buns, creamy Boursin cheese and Angus AAA flank steak, this is a meal to really sink your teeth into.

Recipe at bottom of the page.

In other news.....I was recently surprised and thrilled to be awarded an “E for Excellence” award from the delightful Valli over at More Than Burnt Toast! Thank you so much, Val, for recognizing Under the High Chair and for your high praise. I am honored to be included in such company as Sugar Plum and Canary Girl!

Despite spending less time in the kitchen, I have been cooking vicariously through some of my favorite food blogs and want to highlight a few for you to check out. I believe I have to pass this award on to five other bloggers, and let me tell you, narrowing it down to just five is no easy feat.

However, in no particular order, here are the five that decidedly deserve these accolades and a big old E for Excellence!

Lynn of Cookie Baker Lynn is a sweetheart who has the picture perfect blog, not to mention she's a supermom!

David of Book the Cook writes from the UK and I love how he brings back old British favorites with a new twist, inspiring me to dig a little deeper into my heritage.

Helen of Tartelette sets the food blogging bar high. Her creations are beautiful in every way and she is always an inspiration for me.

Peter of Kalofagas proved his dedication to true Greek food when he made his own phyllo dough recently for spanikopita. Hard core!

Kickpleat of Everybody Loves Sandwiches shows off her food obsession in unique and creative ways. Always a delight to read, her blog is never predictable.

Thanks, everyone!And now for that recipe...

Steak and Boursin Sandwiches

Serves 4

1 (1-lb) piece flank steak

Salt and pepper

4 ciabatta buns

5 oz Boursin cheese (herb or pepper)

Fresh greens of your choice

Preheat broiler. Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper. Put on rack of broiler pan and broil 2-3 inches from the heat, turning over once, 6-7 minutes for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.

Slice buns in half and spread with Boursin. Add greens of your choice.

Slice steak across the grain into thin slices and divide among sandwiches. Assemble sandwiches, slice in half and serve.

Aaaw, Aimée, I'm extremely flattered! To get an award from you means a lot because I mean it when I say that your Blog is amazing, one of the first I read on a daily basis. So thanks. And enjoy the final weeks. Alright, I'm a bloke, but I'm a big softy and loved it when Helen was about to bring Cerys into the world. Special days indeed.

Wow, that sandwich looks amazing!!! Congratulations before the fact...newborn babies are the best...the BEST! I would hold one forever if I could. :) One more thing...I LOVE the concept of your blog...I can totally relate! LOL :) Best, and so happy to meet you! :)

You can't see me right now, but I am jumping of excitement. I don't even know where to start. I didn't know you were excpecting! Congratulations, Felicitations my sweet, sweet Aimee. If this photo of you is a new one, then may I say that you look hot when pregnant! I wish you all the best! A big hug to you!BTW, you have been tagged. But if you don't feel like doing it right now, which I completely understand, then just skip it.Bisous.

Looks delicious! I have been browsing looking for something to have for dinner. I have steaks in the freezer and boursin in the cheese drawer. I am making these sandwiches tonight! Thanks for the wonderful idea.

I haven't had, or even thought about, Boursin in about 25 years - seriously! We just had the sandwich for dinner and it rocked. Richard was in heaven (well he ate it while watching a Habs game so...) Congrats on your award - well deserved and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy :)